The list of NSW contracted players is announced in April of each year.

The squad is chosen by the State Selection Panel based on performances over the previous summer in a number of competitions including the JLT Sheffield Shield and JLT One Day Cup, McDonald’s NSW Premier Cricket and NSW Second XI and Futures League matches.

NSW also name up to six Rookie Contract players. These are offered to young players who have been identified as having the potential to represent NSW in the future.